Some students may disagree with prices for theatre plays; however, University officials say there are reasons why tickets can be costly.
“I think that tickets are a little too expensive for college students with tight budgets,” said Shannon Coyne, a social work freshman.
Freshman Matt Thibodeaux agrees.
“The extra-credit plays require even more money. The prices for these extra-credit plays should be reduced a little more,” he said. “So far I have had to spend $33 for the required plays and a little bit more for extra credit.”
However, Adam Miller, Swine Palace Productions and LSU Theatre director of marketing and public relations, disagrees.
“Students are actually seeing these shows for reasonable prices,” Miller said. “At a professional show, such as Broadway, prices are much more.”
In many cases the costs cover professional performances on campus, he said.
Despite some complaints, Miller said the University offers fall and spring student packets, which includes tickets for both semesters.
In the fall, packets cost $33 for three tickets, and in the spring packets cost $35 for four tickets.
Both Swine Palace Productions and the LSU Theatre offer discount prices for students and faculty. Students usually pay about half the total cost.
Miller suggests one solution to the problem is “pay what you can” previews. Anyone is welcomed to come and pay what he or she is comfortable with during a performance dress rehearsal.
These previews offer help to those who cannot afford the regular prices, Miller said.
However, the previews happen before the opening night for the show, and mistakes may occur. Since the play is not officially open, performers
often pause throughout the show.
About 90 people came to the “pay what you can” previews for the “Shape of Things” this semester.
Recently, professionals performing “Fences” at the Swine Palace drew about 140 people to the preview.
“Our ticket prices are in line with the University of Florida and the University of Tennessee,” said Michael Tick, Department of Theatre chair and Swine Palace Productions executive producing director.
Tick said he feels the ticket prices are not unreasonably high.
“Also, if students really want to see a show, there are many ways to see it for free.”
Ushering and working in concession stands are ways students can watch the plays without purchasing any tickets.
“Ushering and the previews help students attend the required plays,” said Jamie Hooper, a mass communication freshman. “I definitely think the school should provide more money for the department. The theatre department is overlooked because of many other areas such as sports.”